Digital UK to Integrate with Freesat

The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 will integrate Digital UK, which runs the Freeview TV digital terrestrial service, with Freesat, the U.K.’s subscription-free satellite television service.

“We welcome this opportunity to work more closely with Freesat while continuing to deliver our mission of ensuring everyone in the U.K. can access a high-quality TV service for free,” said Jonathan Thompson, CEO of Digital UK. “The combined entity will promote the very best of free-to-view content while reflecting the changing nature of consumer consumption.”

Alistair Thom, CEO of Freesat—a venture launched by BBC and ITV in 2007—added, “We believe that building on the best that both Freesat and Digital UK have to offer will ensure that free-to-air continues to be an exciting and vibrant proposition for U.K. consumers. This proposition will continue to provide U.K. viewers with great content however they choose to consume it, whether that is linear or on demand.”

The integration comes as Arqiva exits as a shareholder in Digital UK.